Zambia’s political continuity could open a new phase of economic cooperation with Malawi, as President Hakainde Hichilema begins a second five-year term with trade, investment and regional integration high on his agenda. The Electoral Commission of Zambia declared Hichilema the winner of the 2026 presidential election on 18 August, following the 13 August vote. He secured about 60% of the vote against roughly 38% for his main challenger, Brian Mundubile.
While the result gives Hichilema another mandate to advance his domestic economic programme, its significance extends beyond Zambia’s borders. For Malawi, which shares a border, longstanding cultural ties and important economic links with Zambia, political stability in Lusaka could provide a platform for deeper bilateral cooperation. Trade is likely to be one of the clearest areas of opportunity. Hichilema has consistently positioned trade, investment and economic diplomacy at the centre of Zambia’s foreign policy, arguing that stronger regional economic connections can create opportunities for businesses and citizens across Africa. That approach has direct implications for Malawian traders who rely on regional markets and transport corridors.
The Mchinji Mwami One Stop Border Post already provides an important commercial link between the two countries. Malawi’s government has credited the facility with reducing clearance times for passengers and traders while supporting cross-border commerce. A second Hichilema term could therefore provide an opportunity for both governments to build on existing infrastructure rather than starting afresh. Malawi has also been signalling its interest in closer relations. In May 2026, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango stressed the importance of strengthening Malawi-Zambia relations and advancing regional integration, while Zambia’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Panji Kaunda, has pointed to the similarities between the two countries and encouraged greater sharing of ideas and solutions to common development challenges.
Hichilema’s re-election offers the continuity required to turn those discussions into more tangible economic cooperation. Zambia’s economic trajectory will also remain important from Malawi’s perspective. Hichilema’s first term was heavily shaped by efforts to address the country’s debt crisis and restore macroeconomic stability. While those efforts have strengthened investor confidence in policy continuity, the next challenge is converting stabilisation into stronger economic growth, employment and improved living standards amid persistent pressure from high living costs and electricity shortages.
Those challenges resonate with Malawi’s own economic priorities, particularly its efforts to attract investment, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, expand productive sectors and create jobs. Zambia’s experience therefore provides not only a neighbouring economic model but also lessons for Malawi as it navigates its own development pressures. Mining is expected to remain a major component of Hichilema’s second-term agenda, with Zambia seeking to substantially increase copper production and attract fresh investment. A stronger mining economy could have spillover effects across the border, creating opportunities for Malawian companies operating in logistics, transport, agriculture and services while providing lessons for Malawi as it seeks to develop its own mining and industrial base.
The regional implications extend beyond trade and investment. Hichilema has consistently identified peace, security and stability as important pillars of Zambia’s foreign policy, recognising that instability in one country can quickly affect its neighbours. For Malawi, a stable Zambia is therefore an economic as well as a strategic interest. Hichilema’s second term provides an opportunity for the two countries to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, transport, agriculture, energy and regional integration. The measure of that relationship, however, will ultimately be practical. For ordinary Malawians and businesses operating across the border, stronger bilateral ties will matter only if they deliver easier trade, greater business opportunities, improved connectivity and access to new markets. The election may have been decided in Zambia, but the economic consequences will extend well beyond Lusaka.
